Emotional Disturbance
Research Paper
1
Research Paper: Emotional Disturbance
Virginia Commonwealth University
SEDP 501
Research Paper
Introduction of Emotional Disturbance
Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders.
Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having a serious emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) as follows: a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects educational performance a) an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors b) an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers c) inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances d) a general persuasive mood of unhappiness or depression or e) a tendency to develop physical symptoms problem (Beaudoin, Benner and Kriuth, 2006).
Emotional disturbance (ED) is considered a high-incidence disability because they have a high prevalence rate in school-age children as compared to many other disabilities.
Causes & Characteristics
The causes of emotional disturbance have not been adequately determined.
Although various factors such heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress and family functioning have been suggested as possible causes, research has not shown any of these factors to be the direct cause of behavior problems (Cullinan & Sabornie, 2004). Stichter, Conroy and
Kauffman (2008) also identify possible causes such as biological, family, school and cultural factors. Biological factors are genetic, biochemical, and neurological influences that interact and result in emotional disabilities. Family factors such as domestic violence
2
Research Paper
are also considered to be strong contributing factors to emotional disturbance. School factors such as failure to
1
Research Paper: Emotional Disturbance
Virginia Commonwealth University
SEDP 501
Research Paper
Introduction of Emotional Disturbance
Many terms are used to describe emotional, behavioral or mental disorders.
Currently, students with such disorders are categorized as having a serious emotional disturbance, which is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA) as follows: a condition exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects educational performance a) an inability to learn that cannot be explained by intellectual, sensory, or health factors b) an inability to build or maintain satisfactory interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers c) inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under normal circumstances d) a general persuasive mood of unhappiness or depression or e) a tendency to develop physical symptoms problem (Beaudoin, Benner and Kriuth, 2006).
Emotional disturbance (ED) is considered a high-incidence disability because they have a high prevalence rate in school-age children as compared to many other disabilities.
Causes & Characteristics
The causes of emotional disturbance have not been adequately determined.
Although various factors such heredity, brain disorder, diet, stress and family functioning have been suggested as possible causes, research has not shown any of these factors to be the direct cause of behavior problems (Cullinan & Sabornie, 2004). Stichter, Conroy and
Kauffman (2008) also identify possible causes such as biological, family, school and cultural factors. Biological factors are genetic, biochemical, and neurological influences that interact and result in emotional disabilities. Family factors such as domestic violence
2
Research Paper
are also considered to be strong contributing factors to emotional disturbance. School factors such as failure to